Ecological Restoration Technician II

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

RES is looking for a Ecological Restoration Technician II, preferably with 1+ years working in the natural resources field experience, based out of our Lockport, IL office. The mission: Our Techs work on a variety of projects, including Stream restoration, Stormwater, Restoration planting, Invasive plant removal/management, and Landscape construction. The work is seasonally steady and will require 40-55 hours per week. A few opportunities for weekend work during peak periods exist. 90% of our work is local (2 hours drive max from Chicago), with a few occasional opportunities for overnight travel.

If you are an avid outdoorsman and want to start your journey in ecological restoration industry – this is the right job for you.

What your day-to-day might look like? You’ll spend 100% of your time in the field, operating equipment like large trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, augers, and chainsaws—don’t worry, safety is always the top priority. You’ll use GPS mapping systems to navigate and document your work, and you’ll get hands-on experience with backpack and hand sprayers for herbicide application. Keeping everything running smoothly, you’ll report any equipment maintenance needs and even perform some basic upkeep yourself.

If you love plants, you’re in the right place. You’ll be identifying native and invasive plant species and using that knowledge to guide your work. Mixing and applying herbicides to manage invasive species will be part of the job, and you’ll play a key role in implementing an invasive species management program to restore balance to the ecosystem.

You’ll also roll up your sleeves for planting and seeding projects, where your techniques will help bring restoration projects to life. Lastly, if prescribed burns are part of your region’s restoration practices, you’ll have the chance to earn your S-130/190 Burn Certification and be involved in this important habitat management technique.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of your duties.

Physical requirements:

You must be able to lift 50lbs, walk over uneven surfaces and up/down hills, climb on construction equipment and work outdoors and in inclement weather

Qualifications:

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

High School degree or equivalent. Reliable means of transportation to get to the field office. Keen interest in natural resources and outdoors. What will make you stand out? 1+ years of work in ecological restoration. Ability to read and understand the project plans, details, and specifications. Commercial Pesticide Technician/Apprentice License in the applicable categories for your assigned state.

Native and invasive plant species knowledge, applicable to your assigned state. 1+ year experience mixing and applying herbicides for managing invasive species. 1+ year experience performing planting and seeding techniques. Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.